Ofgem has called for “more control” of decision-making about development of Britain’s future energy infrastructure.
A report published by the energy regulator today, ‘Decision making for future energy systems: Incorporating rapid change and future uncertainties’, said more “strategic control” would be needed so that energy systems can “evolve rapidly” to meet the 2050 net zero goal.
It added that a much higher level of communication and interaction would be needed between stakeholders, analysts and decision-makers to meet requirements including coping with more variable renewables on the grid.
“Mechanistic” decision-making will need to be replaced by “more flexible procedures” where significant “judgement” will be needed.
The proposals appear to venture onto territory that is currently the responsibility of the privately-owned electricity system operator National Grid ESO, pointing in particular to the company’s annual Future Energy Scenarios.
“The reliance on just four FES scenarios for planning is unlikely to illuminate all the issues relating to the UK’s net-zero strategy, particularly when the development and maintenance of these scenarios is not under the direct control of Ofgem or another body with a public service remit,” it added.
The reports authors said it was unclear whether strategic control should be exercised by Ofgem, BEIS, or elsewhere in government, with advice from the Committee on Climate Change, but warned short term regulatory decisions could constrain the UK’ longer term net-zero strategy.